Some Anderson residents have taken the first steps toward making the Christmas season of 2018 a bit brighter for some local families.

The Brighter Christmas Fund, now in its 43rd year, received three gifts Wednesday — totaling $802 — which will provide children in struggling families with Christmas gifts next year. The gifts raised the total in the fund to $1,802.

The BCF is an Anderson County tradition that helps needy families enjoy the season of giving. Donations made last year will be used to put gifts under the tree of more than 300 families this season, and donations over the next seven weeks will be used to fund the 2018 Christmas fund.

The Brighter Christmas Fund, which began in 1975 with the goal of helping Anderson County families in need to buy Christmas presents for their children, has raised approximately $815,000 over the years.

The fund received $75,743 in donations last year, about $7,500 less than in 2015. It was the second-highest total since 2007, when a record $112,662 was donated.

Applications can be obtained, completed and returned at the Westside Community Center, 1100 West Franklin Street in Anderson, from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2-4 p.m. from Nov. 1 though Nov. 15. Those who received assistance from the Brighter Christmas Fund in 2016 are not eligible, nor are those receiving help this year from the Salvation Army, AIM or Anderson Cares.

Those who receive Snap (food stamps) will need to provide a copy of the household summary report or Income Verification Report, which can be acquired from the South Carolina Department of Social Services.

The program represents an all-volunteer partnership between the Independent Mail, the Foothills Community Foundation and several local businesses, including the Walmart on Liberty Highway and SunTrust Bank.

The funds are used to buy clothes, toys, food and other items that families need during the Christmas season. Each December, the donations enable 300-500 Anderson County families.

Contributions can be made online at www.foothillsfoundation.org or by mail to Brighter Christmas Fund, SunTrust Bank, 907 North Main Street, Anderson SC 29621.